An accidental sewage discharge has prompted the Ottawa County Department of Public Health to ask the public to avoid water contact along Ottawa Creek and a portion of the Grand River.The discharge was reported by Allendale Charter Township Utilities.
A “no-body” contact advisory is in effect starting today for Ottawa Creek from 40th Avenue to the Grand River and on the Grand River from the M-45 Bridge to the 68th Avenue Bridge.
Residents along these areas should stay out of the water.
Officials say body contact includes any direct skin contact with the water, including fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
Residents should also keep children and pets away from the water’s edge until the advisory is lifted.
Anyone who has been in contact should avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth and wash all exposed skin thoroughly, among other precautions, as sewage contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
The advisory will remain in effect until water samples collected and tested confirm it is safe to resume contact.
